The basics: When Usha Pramal is found dead in London, the police soon run out of clues. When Usha's brother arrives in London two months later, he is dismayed at the lack of progress in the case and enlists the help of Maisie to help solve his sister's murder.My thoughts: Reading a Maisie Dobbs novel feels like spending time with an old friend. I'm particularly fond of Maisie as a character, and I appreciate how much changes in her life over the course of her books. Leaving Everything Most Loved raises the stakes and follows through on numerous storylines in the lives of Maisie and her assistants that have been building for the last several books.

As Maisie investigates Usha's live and death, she struggles to understand Usha's motivations for journeying from India to London and seeks to unlock the secrets of what kept Usha in London so long. Both the mystery at the center of the novel and Maisie's personal life share themes of travel, love, loss and family.

The verdict: In Leaving Everything Most Loved, Maisie shines brightly. Solving Usha Pramal's murder is satisfying, but the heart of this novel are Maisie's internal struggles. Not only is Leaving Everything Most Loved the most emotional Maisie novel yet, it represents a dynamic turning point for the series, and I can't wait to see what Winspear cooks up for Maisie next March.Rating: 4.5 out of 5Length: 352 pagesPublication date: March 26, 2013Source: publisher via TLC Book ToursConvinced? Treat yourself! Buy Leaving Everything Most Loved from the Book Depository or Amazon (Kindle version.)

I am glad that you enjoyed this one. It seems everyone has Maisie fever but me, and I am a little saddened about that. I do love the historical portions of the books, but the mysteries never really grab me. Ah, well. I am glad that they have such a strong fan base, even if I am not among them!